IPL 2026: Kartik Sharma earns Huge Praise from veteran Commentator after gritty Knock against LSG

Chennai Super Kings batter Kartik Sharma was hailed by veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle after his crucial knock against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2026 encounter on Friday (May 15).

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) faced early trouble after LSG captain Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to bowl on a tacky, moisture-laden pitch. Akash Singh struck twice in the powerplay, removing Ruturaj Gaikwad (13) and Sanju Samson, leaving CSK at 37/2. Urvil Patel fell soon after, making it 52/3.

Enter 20-year-old Kartik Sharma at No. 4. The uncapped talent from CSK's auction showed remarkable composure and power. He built a crucial 70-run partnership with Dewald Brevis, anchoring the middle overs while picking his moments.

Kartik reached his second IPL fifty off just 35 balls with a towering six over extra-cover off Mohammed Shami. He then unleashed against spin and pace-smashing Shahbaz Ahmed for 6-4-4 in one over and launching two sixes off Prince Yadav.

His fluent 71 off 42 balls turned the innings around. He fell in the 16th over, holing out to long-on off Shahbaz while attempting another boundary, but by then CSK had momentum. Shivam Dube's explosive 32* off 16 (including late fireworks) powered CSK to a competitive 187/5. On a tricky surface, Kartik's mature yet aggressive knock-blending patience with calculated aggression rescued CSK in a must-win playoff race game and silenced critics over his hefty price tag.

Harsha Bhogle took to social media and heaped praises on Kartik Sharma for his stellar knock. He credited Kartik's maturity and skill as the youngster stood tall amid adversity.

"This innings by Kartik Sharma is one of the finest I have seen from a young Indian batter. He played the situation with maturity, played shots of great skill and looks increasingly like he belongs. Keep an eye on him and hope he stays grounded because he is very good," Bhogle wrote on X.

The 20-year-old was signed by CSK for a huge price of Rs 14.2 crore, and he has been one of the standout performers for the franchise this season. After the knock against LSG, Kartik has 244 runs to his name this season, the 3rd most for the Super Kings so far this campaign.